General Documents
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Outline of Psalms
This outline is taken from The Wisdom Literature and Psalms, by James E. Smith
Book 1:
Pss. 1-41
The Believer's Life
Pss. 1-15
Introductory Psalms
Pss. 1-2
Theme of the Psalms
Psa. 1
Hope of the Psalms
Psa. 2
Living Confidently
Pss. 3-7
Guarded in Battle
Psa. 3
Protected in Sleep
Psa. 4
Guided in Walk
Psa. 5
Sustained in Sickness
Psa. 6
Vindicated in Slander
Psa. 7
Living Expectantly
Pss. 8-10
Ultimate Victory
Psa. 8
Judgment on External Enemies
Psa. 9
Judgment on Internal Enemies
Psa. 10
Living Victoriously
Pss. 11-15
Overcoming Fear
Psa. 11
Overcoming Hypocrisy
Psa. 12
Overcoming Anxiety
Psa. 13
Overcoming Corruption
Psa. 14
Reward For Overcoming
Psa. 15
The Believer's Salvation
Pss. 16-29
The God of Life
Psa. 16
The God of Deliverance
Pss. 17-18
Prayer for Deliverance
Psa. 17
Praise for Deliverance
Psa. 18
The God of Revelation
Psa. 19
The God of Battle
Pss. 20-21
Intercession Before Battle
Psa. 20
Thanksgiving After Battle
Psa. 21
God as Savior
Psa. 22
God as Shepherd
Psa. 23
God as Sovereign
Psa. 24
Drawing Near to God
Pss. 25-29
In Simple Trust
Psa. 25
In Godly Confidence
Psa. 26
In Time of Attack
Psa. 27
In Time of Heavenly Silence
Psa. 28
The God of the Thunderstorm
Psa. 29
The Experiences of the Redeemed
Pss. 30-41
Expressing Gratitude to God
Pss. 30-34
For Deliverance
Psa. 30
For Lovingkindness
Psa. 31
For Forgiveness
Psa. 32
For Providence
Psa. 33
For Salvation
Psa. 34
Dealing with Problems
Pss. 35-39
Attack By Ingrates
Psa. 35
Attitudes of the Ungodly
Psa. 36
Adversity of the Righteous
Psa. 37
Afflictions of Sin
Psa. 38
Agony of Unexpressed Grief
Psa. 39
Conclusion
Pss. 40-41
Past Deliverance and Present Distress
Psa. 40
Triumph Over Trouble
Psa. 41
Book 2:
Pss. 42-72
Deliverance for the Estranged
Pss. 42-51
Longing for Restoration
Pss. 42-43
The Revelation of God's Power
Pss. 44-45
The Perplexities of Faith
Psa. 44
The Power of the King
Psa. 45
The Praise for the Redeemer
Pss. 46-48
The Protection of the City
Psa. 46
The Preeminence of the Lord
Psa. 47
The Praise for the Redeemer
Psa. 48
The Redemption of God's People
Pss. 49-51
The Means of Redemption
Psa. 49
The Need for Redemption
Psa. 50
The Prerequisite of Redemption
Psa. 51
The Faithful and the Faithless
Pss. 52-60
The Faithless Exposed
Pss. 52-53
The Deceiver Exposed
Psa. 52
The Fool Exposed
Psa. 53
The Faithful Encouraged
Pss. 54-56
When Faced With Betrayal
Psa. 54
When Overcome By Sorrow
Psa. 55
When Coping With Fear
Psa. 56
The Faithful Encompassed
Pss. 57-60
Protection From Pursuers
Psa. 57
Protection From Corrupt Judges
Psa. 58
Protection From Enemies Within
Psa. 59
Protection From Enemies Without
Psa. 60
David and the Great King
Pss. 61-72
The King's Need
Pss. 61-64
The King's Expectation
Psa. 61
The King's Trust
Psa. 62
The King's Satisfaction
Psa. 63
The King's Confidence
Psa. 64
The King's Return
Pss. 65-66
Praise For Bountiful Harvests
Psa. 65
Praise For Awesome Works
Psa. 66
The King's King
Pss. 67-69
His Universal Reign
Psa. 67
His Mighty Conquest
Psa. 68
His Innocent Suffering
Psa. 69
The King's Plan
Pss. 70-72
An Urgent Call For Help
Psa. 70
A Testimony To Trust In God
Psa. 71
Reign of a Glorious King
Psa. 72
Book 3:
Pss. 73-89
The Mighty Help of God
Pss. 73-83
The Problem Presented
Pss. 73-74
Inequities of Life
Psa. 73
Inactivity of God
Psa. 74
Faith In His Help
Pss. 75-77
The Certainty of Judgment
Psa. 75
The Overthrow of the Mighty
Psa. 76
The Consolation of Recollection
Psa. 77
The Fact of His Help
Psa. 78
Introduction
Psa. 78:1-11
From Zoan
Psa. 78:12-55
To Zion
Psa. 78:56-72
Special Manifestation of His Help
Pss. 79-81
The Hope of the Distressed
Psa. 79
The Restorer of the Downtrodden
Psa. 80
The Strength of the Faithful
Psa. 81
The Scope of His Help
Psa. 82-83
At Home: The Judges
Psa. 82
Abroad: The Enemies
Psa. 83
The Hope of Divine Help
Pss. 84-89
The Confidence in Divine Help
Pss. 84-85
Strength For the Pilgrim
Psa. 84
Restoration of the Wanderer
Psa. 85
The Attitude Toward Divine Help
Pss. 86-87
Personal Submission
Psa. 86
Formal Identification
Psa. 87
The Theme of God's Help Summarized
Pss. 88-89
Human Need
Psa. 88
Divine Resource
Psa. 89
Book 4:
Pss. 90-106
The Universal Rule of Yahweh
Pss. 90-106
Principles Undergirding His Rule
Pss. 90-92
Man's Failure
Psa. 90
Man's Hope
Psa. 91
Man's Restoration
Psa. 92
Enthronement of the King
Pss. 93-96
The Fact of His Reign
Psa. 93
The Affirmation of His Reign
Psa. 94
The Warning of His Reign
Psa. 95
The Response to His Reign
Psa. 96
Government of the King
Pss. 97-100
His Judgments
Psa. 97
His Praise
Psa. 98
His Reign
Psa. 99
His Worship
Psa. 100
Submission of the King
Psa. 101
The Shape of Praise
Pss. 102-106
The Eternal One
Psa. 102
The Loving One
Psa. 103
The Creator and Sustainer
Psa. 104
The Mighty One
Psa. 105
The Faithful and Patient One
Psa. 106
Book 5:
Pss. 107-150
The Ways and the Word of God
Pss. 107-119
Yahweh's Ways in the Past
Pss. 107-108
The Redeemer
Psa. 107
The Anchor
Psa. 108
Yahweh's Ways in the Future
Pss. 109-110
Agony of Messiah
Psa. 109
Exaltation of Messiah
Psa. 110
Yahweh's Ways in the Present
Pss. 111-112
The Graciousness of God
Psa. 111
The Blessedness of the Godly
Psa. 112
Yahweh's Ways Celebrated
Pss. 113-118
His Amazing Condescension
Psa. 113
His Awesome Presence
Psa. 114
His Exalted Glory
Psa. 115
His Mighty Deliverance
Psa. 116
His Universal Appeal
Psa. 117
His Enduring Mercy
Psa. 118
Yahweh's Incomparable Word
Psa. 119
The Word and the Soul
Psa. 119:1-56
The Word and Society
Psa. 119:57-112
The Word and the Sanctuary
Psa. 119:113-168
The Word and the Shepherd
Psa. 119:169-176
Songs of Pilgrimage
Pss. 120-134
In the Far Country
Pss. 120-121
The Hope of the Pilgrim
Psa. 120
The Help of the Pilgrim
Psa. 121
The Start of the Journey
Pss. 122-123
Anticipation of the Journey
Psa. 122
Assurance of the Journey
Psa. 123
The Journey
Pss. 124-125
Escape From Bondage
Psa. 124
First Glimpse of the City
Psa. 125
Approaching the City
Pss. 126-131
Joy and Repentance
Psa. 126
Family Strength
Psa. 127
Family Responsibility
Psa. 128
A Backward Look
Psa. 129
Humility and Confidence
Psa. 130
Rest in God's Will
Psa. 131
The Entrance - David's Horn and Lamp
Psa. 132
The City and Worship
Pss. 133-134
Unified Worship
Psa. 133
Conclusion and Worship
Psa. 134
Songs of Final Praise
Pss. 135-150
A Call to Worship
Pss. 135-136
His Praiseworthiness
Psa. 135
His Enduring Mercy
Psa. 136
The Sufficiency of Yahweh
Pss. 137-139
His Mighty Judgment
Psa. 137
His Enabling Power
Psa. 138
His Omniscience and Omnipotence
Psa. 139
The Helplessness of Man
Pss. 140-143
Facing Persecution
Psa. 140
Facing Peril
Psa. 141
Facing Despair
Psa. 142
Facing Darkness
Psa. 143
The Appropriateness of Praise
Pss. 144-145
The Rock of Strength
Psa. 144
Praise for the Holy One
Psa. 145
The Hallelujah Chorus
Pss. 146-150
Praise for the Helper
Psa. 146
Praise for the Sovereign
Psa. 147
The Praise of Creation
Psa. 148
The Praise of Saints
Psa. 149
Concluding Doxology
Psa. 150
Survey Video
Individual Passages
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Book 1:
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1-5
The Two Ways
1-3
Blessed is the man who...
1-2
What he does:
1
Neg: Blessed is the man who does not conform to wickedness
1a
Blessed is the man who...
"Blessed" means more than just happy, it means a deeply rewarding, prosperous life, with a depth and longevity to the prosperity.
1b
Does not walk in the plan of the guilty ones
1c
And does not stand in the conduct of the sinful ones
1d
And does not sit in the dwelling place of rebellious ones
2
Pos: But rather loves God's Law
2a
The instruction (Torah) of Yahweh is a delight to him
The books of Moses and probably also wider instruction from Scripture and received tradition and immediate communication
He sees it as a delight, contrast a burden that it is often thought to be. It is a liberating thing, teaching to live a truly fulfilled life.
"Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide? If not, the blessing of Psalm 1 does not belong to you." - Spurgeon
He sees it as a delight, contrast a burden that it is often thought to be. It is a liberating thing, teaching to live a truly fulfilled life.
"Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide? If not, the blessing of Psalm 1 does not belong to you." - Spurgeon
2b
And in His instruction he meditates night and day
He internalizes Torah, so that it can be automatically lived out. It has to be imprinted on the mind and emotions, to become an automatic part of the thinking and willing and doing. cf. Psa. 2:1; 19:14; 38:28; 71:24; 63:6; 77:12; 143:5
3
The result:
3a
He will be like a tree transplanted by canals of water
Symbolic of solidarity, firmness, ability to withstand trouble, symbolized by the withering of drought, on the contrary, he is fruitful and prosperous
3b-d
Which prospers in every way
3b
it will give its fruit in its time
3c
and its leaves will not wither
3d
and all which he will do will succeed
4-5
The Wicked do not prosper
4
The wicked are blown away
4a
Not so the Wicked
4b
But rather they are like chaff which the wind drives it away
Picture of the winnowing process where the plant is thrown in the air, and the heavier grain falls back to the ground while the lighter stalk blows away in the wind.
Symbolic of insubstantiality and emptiness.
There is nothing in their lives of enough weight to keep them from being blown away in a storm.
Symbolic of insubstantiality and emptiness.
There is nothing in their lives of enough weight to keep them from being blown away in a storm.
5
Their result: They are judged and excluded
The ironic opposite of verse 1 where the righteous is seen as a minority excluded or tempted by the majority of the wicked. In this case, the wicked is excluded from the assembly of the righteous which is the only assembly that endures.
5a
Therefore, the guilty ones will not stand in the judgment
5b
and the sinners in the assembly of the righteous
6
Summary: The end of the two ways
6a
The righteous:
For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous one
And intimate experiential knowledge. God is involved in the way of righteousness
6b
The wicked:
But the way of the guilty ones will perish
The opposite of being acknowledged by God
"These are people who say to God (in the words of Job 21:13) 'Depart from us! We do not desire knowledge of thy ways.' God, correspondingly, pays no attention to their way, but allows them to walk to their destruction." Provan p. 129.
"These are people who say to God (in the words of Job 21:13) 'Depart from us! We do not desire knowledge of thy ways.' God, correspondingly, pays no attention to their way, but allows them to walk to their destruction." Provan p. 129.
Comments
The Psalms start, not with a prayer, but with a blessing
A blessing on the righteous, those who fear the Lord
"blessed" is not depending on the way I feel or think in the moment, but an abiding state of reality b/c it is grounded in God Himself
Blessed are those who do not live in the worldview and lifestyle of the wicked - those who are under the influence of the unrighteous world
In v. 2 you expect a contrast like "but who walk in the way of the godly, who stand in the way of the righteous, who sits in the seat of the worshipful..."
But the author makes a strong point by contrasting the way of the wicked with those who delight in God's Word
Our attitude toward God's revelation is an important mark of our spiritual/moral state according to the Psalmist
"blessed" is not depending on the way I feel or think in the moment, but an abiding state of reality b/c it is grounded in God Himself
Blessed are those who do not live in the worldview and lifestyle of the wicked - those who are under the influence of the unrighteous world
In v. 2 you expect a contrast like "but who walk in the way of the godly, who stand in the way of the righteous, who sits in the seat of the worshipful..."
But the author makes a strong point by contrasting the way of the wicked with those who delight in God's Word
Our attitude toward God's revelation is an important mark of our spiritual/moral state according to the Psalmist
We are greeted first in the Psalms, not as a worshiper, but as a reader of the Law, to learn how to live
We are greeted first as an individual - responsible to God for ourselves, though the communal will be emphasized as well throughout Psalms
We are greeted first as an individual - responsible to God for ourselves, though the communal will be emphasized as well throughout Psalms
This Psalm (with Psalm 2) sets the tone for the entirety of the book of Psalms
Every Psalm that follows assumes a disciplined community of piety
Who take God's revelation seriously
Who believe that honoring and obeying God is a joy and the key to well-being
Who take God's revelation seriously
Who believe that honoring and obeying God is a joy and the key to well-being
There are a scattering of Psalms throughout that revisit these themes - worship never escapes obedience
This offers an orienting perspective from which the rest of the Psalms can be read and prayed
God will set everything right.
The righteous will be blessed
and the wicked will be judged
Moral absolutes are the norm
Moral confusion is an aberration
The internal struggle where we struggle between good actions and bad is NOT normal
Inner conflict and contradiction is not blessed
Grey thinking may be necessary as we live between the times
Eternity will be a blessed return to black and white absolutes
The righteous will be blessed
and the wicked will be judged
Moral absolutes are the norm
Moral confusion is an aberration
The internal struggle where we struggle between good actions and bad is NOT normal
Inner conflict and contradiction is not blessed
Grey thinking may be necessary as we live between the times
Eternity will be a blessed return to black and white absolutes
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1-6
God and the enemies
1-3
The Enemies:
1-2
They do:
1-2b
They rebel
1
They plot
1a
Why are the nations restless?
1b
And the peoples plotting in vain?
The word translated "plot" is the same word translated "meditate" in 1: - they grumble
2a-b
They rebel
2a
The Kings of the land take their stand
2b
and the ones ruling conspire together
Military metaphors, taking a stand or taking up battle positions and holding a counsel of war
An assembly of the wicked and an offering of counsel reminiscent of Psa. 1:1
An assembly of the wicked and an offering of counsel reminiscent of Psa. 1:1
2c
Against Yahweh and against His anointed one
"enemies" is a theme in Psalms
A common OT theme is rulers of surrounding nations who think they are gods and set themselves up against the true God
"anointed/Messiah/Kingship" is a theme in Psalms
-cf. 1 Sam. 10:1, 16:3, 1 Kgs 1:39 for the anointing of an Israelite King
"Here we see the Israelite king and vice-regent, the representative of God on earth - a king, yet not autonomous, but very much under divine law." Provan, p. 130
A common OT theme is rulers of surrounding nations who think they are gods and set themselves up against the true God
"anointed/Messiah/Kingship" is a theme in Psalms
-cf. 1 Sam. 10:1, 16:3, 1 Kgs 1:39 for the anointing of an Israelite King
"Here we see the Israelite king and vice-regent, the representative of God on earth - a king, yet not autonomous, but very much under divine law." Provan, p. 130
3
They say:
3a
Let us tear apart their bonds
3b
And let us throw their ropes from us
"Let us break their control," "Let us be our own bosses"
We are all tempted to do this - to say "not your will, but mine"
We all have the option to be building our own kingdom - trying to rule our own little world as a god
Or we can be about building God's Kingdom
We are all tempted to do this - to say "not your will, but mine"
We all have the option to be building our own kingdom - trying to rule our own little world as a god
Or we can be about building God's Kingdom
4-6
God:
4-5
He does:
4
He scoffs at their rebellion
4a
The One sitting in the heavens laughs
4b
The Lord mocks against them
The nations' rebellion is ridiculous
How could they ever expect any hope of success?
How many tanks, planes, and nuclear missiles would it take to defeat the Lord who created everything?
How could the creature defeat the creator?
The whole idea is just stupid
How could they ever expect any hope of success?
How many tanks, planes, and nuclear missiles would it take to defeat the Lord who created everything?
How could the creature defeat the creator?
The whole idea is just stupid
5
He threatens/punishes them
5a
Then He will speak to them in His wrath
"God's judgment/wrath" and "God's poetic justice" are themes in Psalms
5b
And in His burning anger He will terrify them
6
He says:
6a
I have installed my King upon Zion
-cf. v. 2 for "King"
"Zion/Temple" as God's dwelling place is a theme in Psalms
"Zion/Temple" as God's dwelling place is a theme in Psalms
6b
[I have established him on] my Holy Mountain
This is God's response to the words of the enemies in v. 3
They asserted their autonomy, but God reaffirms His sovereignty and the rule of His chosen King
They asserted their autonomy, but God reaffirms His sovereignty and the rule of His chosen King
7-12
The King and the enemies
7-9
God's prescription/regulation
7a-b
Intro formula:
7a
Let me recount the prescription/regulation of Yahweh
7b
He said unto me...
7c-9
The prescription/regulation which God said:
7c-d
You are my chosen representative
7c
You are my son,
An (as yet) unnamed person
Themes of "Kingship" and "Corporate solidarity" in the Psalms
Themes of "Kingship" and "Corporate solidarity" in the Psalms
7d
today I fathered you/have become your father
The king is in a special relationship with God
This language affirms that in some way the king can be thought of as divine
Yet it is short of the language of absolute deification
Therefore it is appropriate for its first application to the earthly king as God's representative
And it is also appropriate for its ultimate application to the True Son of God
Quoted in Acts 13:33, Heb. 1:5, 5:5 and applied to Jesus
This language affirms that in some way the king can be thought of as divine
Yet it is short of the language of absolute deification
Therefore it is appropriate for its first application to the earthly king as God's representative
And it is also appropriate for its ultimate application to the True Son of God
Quoted in Acts 13:33, Heb. 1:5, 5:5 and applied to Jesus
8
I will give you the world as your inheritance
8a
Ask from me and I will give the nations as your inheritance
8b
The extremities of the earth as your possession
Because God rules/owns the whole earth, this is the same inheritance passed to His 'Son'
9
You will defeat them
9a
You will break them with a staff of iron
9b
like a vessel of a potter you will shatter them
Quoted in Rev. 2:27 and applied to Jesus as the universal King of Kings
"But before he can rule the earth, the son must first break all opposition with his 'rod of iron,' smashing them as easily as one breaks a piece of pottery. It is very much the biblical order of things that there can be no peace without justice, and that justice requires the use of force. The king must conquer the wicked before he can rule." -cf. Isa. 11:1-9; Rev. 19:11-21 Provan p. 130
"But before he can rule the earth, the son must first break all opposition with his 'rod of iron,' smashing them as easily as one breaks a piece of pottery. It is very much the biblical order of things that there can be no peace without justice, and that justice requires the use of force. The king must conquer the wicked before he can rule." -cf. Isa. 11:1-9; Rev. 19:11-21 Provan p. 130
10-12
The enemies response [very good advice to enemies]:
10-11
Repent and serve Yahweh
10
Repent
10a
And now kings be attentive, prudent
10b
Be corrected, chastened rulers of the earth
11
Serve Yahweh
11a
Serve Yahweh with fear
11b
And shout in exultation with trembling
12
Serve the Son or you will perish
12a-b
Kiss or perish
12a
Kiss the Son
Kissing the feet is a well-known act of self-humiliation and homage
12b
Lest he will be angry and you will perish in the way
wise up - be smart and repent
Serve God with reverence and submit to His representative
"Way" is a theme in Psalms
-cf. esp. Psa. 1
Serve God with reverence and submit to His representative
"Way" is a theme in Psalms
-cf. esp. Psa. 1
12c-d
Wrath or refuge
12c
Because his wrath will burn quickly, easily
12d
Blessed are all the ones taking refuge in Him
Blessed are those who repent, wrath to those who don't
-cf. Psa. 1:1 forming an inclusio around the first 2 Psalms, marking them as a unity
"blessing/prosperity" is a theme in Psalms
"refuge" is a theme in Psalms
-cf. Psa. 1:1 forming an inclusio around the first 2 Psalms, marking them as a unity
"blessing/prosperity" is a theme in Psalms
"refuge" is a theme in Psalms
Comments
The Psalms were probably put in their final arrangement (with this Psalm at the beginning) after the fall of Jerusalem and exile, when there were no longer Israelite kings.
Therefore, this Psalm looks back in a sense to when Israelite kings ruled
This also looks forward to a new kingly figure to rule in the future
This also looks forward to a new kingly figure to rule in the future
Psalm 2 therefore gives us a clue to the prophetic reading of Psalms.
But only if we keep in mind that history runs in one direction only.
The OT is interpreted and explains the NT by the NT fulfilling the OT, not vice versa
Analogous fulfillment - the ultimate fulfillment resembles the expectation and prefigurement because God's character is the same
This is how this Psalm was read in NT times
The OT is interpreted and explains the NT by the NT fulfilling the OT, not vice versa
Analogous fulfillment - the ultimate fulfillment resembles the expectation and prefigurement because God's character is the same
This is how this Psalm was read in NT times
Psalm 1+2 belong together as a whole that introduces the Psalms
Psalm 2 begins with 'meditates' language and ends with 'blessed' (which acts as an inclusio)
Psalm 1 is individual, Psalm 2 is about nations/kings (corporate solidarity)
Psalm 1 describes 2 ways for an individual, Psalm 2 describes 2 ways for a nation
Therefore, the King in Psalm 2 is assumed to be walking in the way of righteousness.
Psalm 1 is individual, Psalm 2 is about nations/kings (corporate solidarity)
Psalm 1 describes 2 ways for an individual, Psalm 2 describes 2 ways for a nation
Therefore, the King in Psalm 2 is assumed to be walking in the way of righteousness.
If any king is not walking in the way of righteousness, then he is not a 'son' and should not presume upon any of God's promises.
The same goes for the nation as a whole, no matter what the nation's heritage.
Wicked governments will be swept away as sure as wicked individuals
The same goes for the nation as a whole, no matter what the nation's heritage.
Wicked governments will be swept away as sure as wicked individuals
Psalm 2 is also an orientating perspective which gives us a key to reading the rest of the Psalms -
God always wins - blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked.
This also leaves a tension in the rest of the Psalms (as well as our lives) -
When will this promise be fully realized? When will God bring final judgment and vindication?
God's people are warned to not be too anxious for God's judgment, because we too are sinners in need of mercy,
Yet we are invited to desire God's judgment, because righteousness will win in the end.
God's people are warned to not be too anxious for God's judgment, because we too are sinners in need of mercy,
Yet we are invited to desire God's judgment, because righteousness will win in the end.
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Superscription
To the choirmaster/preeminent one
According to "deer of the dawn
A song (Mizmor) of David
1-2
Cry for help
1
"Why?"
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2
I cry out
O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent
-cf. 17:6, 18:3
3-5
Confession of trust
3
God's nature
Yet You are enthroned as the Holy One
You are the praise of Israel
4-5
God's history [track record]
In you our fathers put their trust
"Here the word 'trusted' tolls like a bell three times. In a situation of great danger, the psalmist speaks to God about the effectiveness of trust. Following the second tolling of the bell a new verb is sued, 'to cry,' which pushes the sense of trust beyond an inward, passive state - in which sense it is often understood today - into active trust, faith in action." Anderson, Out of the Depths. p. 25.
they trusted and you delivered them
They cried to you and were saved;
in You they trusted and were not disappointed.
6-8
Description of suffering
6-7
Mocked
But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
All who see me mock me;
since he delights in him
8
Their taunt
"He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
quoted in Matt. 27:43
9-10
Confession of trust
Yet You brought me out of the womb;
You made me trust in you even at my mother's breast.
From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God
11
Petition for rescue
Do no be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12-18
Description of suffering
12-13
Enemies
Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me
Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14-15
Suffering
I am poured out like water
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
-cf. John 19:28
you lay me in the dust of death.
16a
Enemies
Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
16b-18
Suffering
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
-cf. Zech. 12:10, John 20:25, Matt. 27:35
I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
quoted in John 19:24
19-21
Petition for rescue
19
General
But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me
20-21
Specific - Rescue from enemies
Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22-23
Vow to praise
I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
quoted in Heb. 2:12
You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All your descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24
Assurance
For he has not despised or disdained the sufferings of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help
25
Vow to praise
From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26-31
Testimony/Assurance
26-29a
All the earth will praise Him
26
The poor
The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him -
may your hearts live forever!
27-28
The whole earth
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD
and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29a
All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
29b-31
All generations will praise Him
29b-c
Past:
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him -
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30-31
Future:
Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord
They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn -
for he has done it.
Comments:
The biggest/most developed parts of this Psalm are the Description of Suffering and Testimony
The confession of trust in vv. 3-5 seems in a questioning mood, "yes them, why not me?"
The confession of trust in vv. 3-5 seems in a questioning mood, "yes them, why not me?"
Based on history
But there is an implicit appeal - "Just as you came through for them, I expect you to come through for me"
Of course, this Psalm is quoted by Jesus on the cross
But there is an implicit appeal - "Just as you came through for them, I expect you to come through for me"
-cf. Matt. 27:46
It was not just a cry of forsakenness, but pointing to this Psalm
It was a legitimate cry of forsakenness. Jesus' anguish was genuine.
He experienced the physical pain of crucifixion, but also the infinitely greater suffering of being rejected by His Father and experiencing His wrath.
But this was more than just a cry of anguish, it was also an intentional quote of this Psalm, to point the hearer to think about the Psalm as a whole and all that it says.
He experienced the physical pain of crucifixion, but also the infinitely greater suffering of being rejected by His Father and experiencing His wrath.
But this was more than just a cry of anguish, it was also an intentional quote of this Psalm, to point the hearer to think about the Psalm as a whole and all that it says.
It was not just pointing to predictive prophecy in this Psalm as a proof text
This Psalm contains predictive prophecy specifically about the crucifixion which Jesus was experiencing when He quoted from this Psalm
But this is not the ultimate reason that Jesus quoted Psa. 22
The people who witnessed the crucifixion already believed in predictive prophecy and did not need to be convinced.
Jesus was drawing attention to more than prophecy by quoting Psa. 22
v.8 is quoted in Matt 27:43 when people mock Jesus while He is on the cross
vv. 14-15 describe the physical experience of crucifixion
v. 16 describes His hands and feet being pierced, cf. John 20:25, Matt 27:35
v. 17 describes the people gloating over Him, cf. Luke 23:35
v. 18 is quoted in Matt. 27:35, John 19:24 when they divided his clothes and gambled for His garment
This certainly verifies that the crucifixion was predicted by God vv. 14-15 describe the physical experience of crucifixion
v. 16 describes His hands and feet being pierced, cf. John 20:25, Matt 27:35
v. 17 describes the people gloating over Him, cf. Luke 23:35
v. 18 is quoted in Matt. 27:35, John 19:24 when they divided his clothes and gambled for His garment
But this is not the ultimate reason that Jesus quoted Psa. 22
The people who witnessed the crucifixion already believed in predictive prophecy and did not need to be convinced.
Jesus was drawing attention to more than prophecy by quoting Psa. 22
It points to the message and movement of this Psalm as a whole
The Psalm as a whole speaks of God bringing rescue out of an impossible situation
It is a typical Lament, moving from pain, to hope
The experience of intense suffering for those who trust in God eventually turns to the experience of vindication, joy and worship
So, by quoting this Psalm, Jesus was pointing to His eventual vindication and victory, leading to all nations worshiping God
It is a typical Lament, moving from pain, to hope
The experience of intense suffering for those who trust in God eventually turns to the experience of vindication, joy and worship
So, by quoting this Psalm, Jesus was pointing to His eventual vindication and victory, leading to all nations worshiping God
The whole Psalm is a movement from orientation through suffering to reorientation
It starts (after the initial cry for help) with an expression of trust that God never fails and the righteous always win
It then describes the current experience of suffering and that the bad guys are currently winning
But then it changes to describe the (eventual) victory and vindication of the righteous because God will eventually act at the proper time to rightly judge and to display His justice so that all will acknowledge His greatness and goodness
It then describes the current experience of suffering and that the bad guys are currently winning
But then it changes to describe the (eventual) victory and vindication of the righteous because God will eventually act at the proper time to rightly judge and to display His justice so that all will acknowledge His greatness and goodness
Notice that even in suffering, Jesus has absolute assurance from the cross - cf. v. 24
Jesus saw the resurrection and wanted to communicate that
His cry was a cry of dereliction, but at the very same time a cry of hope and a cry of triumph
The book of Hebrews makes this same connection by talking of Jesus being perfected through suffering and immediately quoting from the 2nd (happy) part of this Psalm
His cry was a cry of dereliction, but at the very same time a cry of hope and a cry of triumph
The book of Hebrews makes this same connection by talking of Jesus being perfected through suffering and immediately quoting from the 2nd (happy) part of this Psalm
The end of this Psalm (vv. 25-31) are some of the happiest verses in Psalms
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Detailed Outline
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1
Theme statement
1a
The Lord is my shepherd
"Shepherd" has the connotation of protection, provision, guidance, and even discipline (for the sheep's good).
-cf. Ezek. ch. 34, John ch. 10
-cf. Ezek. ch. 34, John ch. 10
1b
I shall not be in need/lack
2-3
Trust in orientation
2a
In pastures of grass He will cause me to rest
2b
Upon quiet waters He will lead me/cause me to rest
3a
My soul He will restore
3b
He causes me to rest in courses of righteousness
Not our own way, but His way is the road to blessings
He leads us there
He leads us there
3c
For the sake of His Name
Not primarily for our sake
The universe centers around Him (not us)
The universe centers around Him (not us)
4
Trust in Disorientation
4a
Even if I walk in the darkest valley
Sometimes the good shepherd will lead us to bad places
Typically the bad places are necessary roads that lead us to better places
Typically the bad places are necessary roads that lead us to better places
4b
I will not fear evil/misfortune
4c
Because You are with me
The presence of the shepherd takes away fear
-cf. 27:1
-cf. 27:1
4d
Your rod and staff they console/comfort me
"rod" = club for protection or discipline
"staff" = stick for guidance and direction
"staff" = stick for guidance and direction
5
Trust in Reorientation
5a
You arrange before me a table in the presence of the ones oppressing me
5b
You anoint my head with oil
5c
My cup is (filled to) complete abundance, saturation
Overflowing, spilling over with blessings
6
Summary
6a
Surely goodness and covenant faithfulness will pursue me all the days of my life.
"pursue" is a very active word
God is doggedly active in blessing His people
The Good Shepherd actively cares for His sheep
God is doggedly active in blessing His people
The Good Shepherd actively cares for His sheep
6b
I will dwell in the house of Yahweh to the length of my days
This is not wishful thinking, but a true glimpse of reality
God really is for us - in all seasons of life
-cf. Rom. 8:31-39
God really is for us - in all seasons of life
-cf. Rom. 8:31-39
Comments
This Psalm is know for its beautiful and beloved imagery for God’s care and provision
The metaphor of the shepherd in vv. 1-4 changes to the metaphor of a gracious host in vv. 5-6
In vv. 1-3 the Psalm speaks to God in the 3rd person ("The Lord," "He," "His") which changes to the 2nd person ("You," "Your") in vv. 4-6
These two transitions overlap at verse 4, which is the center focus of the Psalm
Trust in times of disorientation is emphasized
Anyone can trust in good times
Trusting in dark times is where we truly know God the most deeply
The metaphor of the shepherd in vv. 1-4 changes to the metaphor of a gracious host in vv. 5-6
In vv. 1-3 the Psalm speaks to God in the 3rd person ("The Lord," "He," "His") which changes to the 2nd person ("You," "Your") in vv. 4-6
These two transitions overlap at verse 4, which is the center focus of the Psalm
Trust in times of disorientation is emphasized
Anyone can trust in good times
Trusting in dark times is where we truly know God the most deeply
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Superscription
Of David
1-3
Statement of Trust
1b-2a
Trust
1b
Unto You, Yahweh, I lift up my soul
2a
My God, in You I trust
2b-c
Prayer
2b
Do not let me be shamed
2c
And do not let my enemies rejoice over me
3
Reason:
3a
Everyone waiting/hoping for You will not be shamed
3b
But they will be shamed, the ones dealing treacherously without cause
The awkward word order is to closely display the original wording and parallelism
4-5
Prayer for Guidance/Revelation of God's Nature
4-5b
Prayer
4a
Your ways, Yahweh, make me know
"The deepest need of the supplicant is for understanding" Tate WBC p. 384
We cannot pray effectively until we know the God we pray to
We cannot pray effectively until we know the God we pray to
4b
Your paths, teach me
5a
Cause me to walk in your truth
5b
And teach me
5c-d
Reason:
5c
Because You are God of my salvation
5d
I am waiting/hoping for You all the day
6-10
Prayer to remember Chesed
6-7
Prayer
6
Remember Your compassion
6a
Remember Your compassion, Yahweh
6b
And Your Covenant faithfulness, because they are eternal
7
Not my sin
7a
Sins of my early life and my transgressions, do not remember
7b
According to Your Covenant faithfulness, You Yourself, remember me
The "You Yourself" is emphatic in the original language, emphasizing God's personal involvement in the Psalmist's life
7c
For the sake of Your goodness, Yahweh
8-10
Basis for Prayer = God's Character
8-9
He is good and upright
8a
Good and upright is Yahweh
8b-9
Therefore:
8b
He will teach sinners in the way
9a
He will lead afflicted ones in justice
9b
He will teach afflicted ones His way
10
All His paths are Covenant faithfulness
10a
All the paths of Yahweh are Covenant faithfulness
10b
And truth, firmness to the one keeping His Covenant and His testimony
11-14
Prayer for Forgiveness
11
Prayer
11a
For the sake of Your Name, Yahweh
11b
Pardon my evil, because it is great
12-14
Basis for Prayer = God's character
12a
Who is this one fearing Yahweh?
12b-14
His reward
12b-13
Part 1:
12b
He will teach him in the way He chose
13a
His soul in goodness it will abide
13b
And his seed will inherit the land
14
Part 2:
14a
Intimacy is to the one fearing Him
14b
And His Covenant, He teaches them
15-17
Prayer for Rescue, Help
15
Trust
15a
My eyes are continuously upon Yahweh
15b
Because He, He will bring my feet out of the snare
Again "He" is emphatic - Putting the focus on God and His activity
16-17
Prayer
16a
Turn to me and be gracious
16b
Becaues I am lonely and afflicted
17a
The distresses of my heart enlarge
17b
Bring me out from my distress
These four lines form a chiasm, with the lines forming an a-b-b-a pattern - also known as sandwich structure
This serves to emphasize the two center lines
This serves to emphasize the two center lines
18-19
Prayer for Help
18
Part 1:
18a
See my affliction and my trouble
18b
And take away all my sin
19
Part 2:
19a
See my enemies
19b
Because the violent hatred of those who hate me increases
20-21
Summary
20
Part 1:
20a
Guard my soul and rescue me
20b
Do not let me be shamed because I seek refuge in You
21
Part 2:
21a
Let integrity and uprightness guard me
21b
Because I wait/hope for You
22
Ransom Israel, O God, from all his distress
Comments
Notice the Deep theological language
"Covenant"
"Chesed/Covenant Faithfulness"
"Way"
"Truth/Faithfulness"
etc.
"Chesed/Covenant Faithfulness"
"Way"
"Truth/Faithfulness"
etc.
Notice the weaving together of themes
God's mercy and covenant faithfulness interact
Sin and forgiveness
God's revealed standards of right and wrong
Waiting for the Lord/Lifting up of soul
etc.
Sin and forgiveness
God's revealed standards of right and wrong
Waiting for the Lord/Lifting up of soul
etc.
Notice the repetition of language
Shame
Wait/hope
Ways
Remember
etc.
Wait/hope
Ways
Remember
etc.
Notice the interplay back and forth of petitions and reasons
The psalmist reasons with God in prayer
He argues with God why God should answer the prayer
The reasons are based on God's character, not on our character or our need
On our own, we have no right to ask
On our own, we have no reason to demand, or to expect God will hear
We come with empty hands, with nothing to offer
We rely solely on God's mercy and covenant faithfulness
Our only hope for answered prayer is that God is the kind of God that He is
Therefore, beware of a presumptuous attitude in prayer - that we can claim or proclaim or declare something on our own
But based on His character, and the relationship He has given us, we can pray very bold prayers
We are asking the Generous One, based on His infinite ability
We will never cause something to happen by our ability or status
He argues with God why God should answer the prayer
The reasons are based on God's character, not on our character or our need
On our own, we have no right to ask
On our own, we have no reason to demand, or to expect God will hear
We come with empty hands, with nothing to offer
We rely solely on God's mercy and covenant faithfulness
Our only hope for answered prayer is that God is the kind of God that He is
Therefore, beware of a presumptuous attitude in prayer - that we can claim or proclaim or declare something on our own
But based on His character, and the relationship He has given us, we can pray very bold prayers
We are asking the Generous One, based on His infinite ability
We will never cause something to happen by our ability or status
The psalmist prays backward for help/forgiveness for past sins
The psalmist prays forward for present and future guidance
The psalmist prays in faith and trust because God is faithful and trustworthy
The psalmist prays forward for present and future guidance
The psalmist prays in faith and trust because God is faithful and trustworthy
The psalmist prays to know God and His Ways, Nature and Character
"The deepest need of the supplicant is for understanding" Tate WBC p. 384
We cannot pray effectively until we know the God to Whom we pray
We cannot pray effectively until we know the God to Whom we pray
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1 Superscription
1a
A psalm, a song
1b
For the dedication of the temple
1c
of David
2-3 Introduction
2a
Proclamation of praise
2a
I will exalt You, O LORD
2b-3
Summary of reason
2b
For You lifted me out [of the depths]
2c
and did not let my enemies gloat over me
3a
Lord my God, I called for You to help
cf. Psa. 5:3, 18:7, 42, 28:2, 72:12, 88:14, 119:147
3b
and You healed me
4-6
From the pit to rejoicing
4
Report of need
4a
LORD, You brought me up from the grave.
4b
You spared me from going down into the pit
-cf. Psa. 28:1, 143:8, Isa. 13:15, 19, 38:18
5-6
Testimony
5a
His pious ones sing to the LORD
5b
And they give thanks with respect to His holiness
6a
For [it is] a moment in His anger
6b
But a lifetime in His goodwill/favor
"lifetime" both as days of life (lifespan) and quality of life (welfare and happiness)
"goodwill" -cf. Psa. 5:13, 30:6, 8, 51:20, 89:18, 106:4
"goodwill" -cf. Psa. 5:13, 30:6, 8, 51:20, 89:18, 106:4
6c
weeping may remain for a night
6d
but rejoicing comes in the morning
7-8
Theme section
7
Secure
7a
In my ease/security, I said
7b
"I will never be shaken"
8a-b
Theme
8a
LORD, when You favored me
8b
You made my mountain stand firm
8c-d
Insecure
8c
but when You hid Your face
8d
I was dismayed
9-12
From the pit to joy
9
Report of petition and rescue
9a
To You, O LORD, I called
9b
to the Lord I cried for mercy
10
Vow to praise
10a
What gain is there in my destruction
10b
in my going down to the pit?
10c
Will the dust praise You?
10d
Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
11-12
Report of petition and rescue
11a
Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me
11b
LORD, be the One Who helps me
12a
You turned my wailing into dancing
12b
You removed my sackcloth
12c
and clothed me with joy.
13
Thanksgiving and praise
13a
That glory/honor may sing to You
"poetic of the seat of honor in the inner man, the noblest part of man" BDB
-cf. Gen. 49:6, Psa. 7:6, 16:9, 108:2, 57:9
-cf. Gen. 49:6, Psa. 7:6, 16:9, 108:2, 57:9
13b
And he will not be silent
13c
O LORD, my God, I will give You thanks forever
Comments
Notice the Formal elements
1. Proclamation of love and praise
2. Summary of reason - describing release from crisis
3. Report of need/trouble
contrasts time of security with
4. Report of petition and rescue
5. Testimony
6. Renewal of vow to praise
I will exalt you, O Lord- v. 1
for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me- v. 1
depths, enemies- v. 1
healed- v. 1
grave, pit- v. 3
weeping- v. 5
wailing, sackcloth- v. 11
contrasts time of security with
when You hid your face, I was dismayed- v. 6-7
O LORD my God, I called to You for help and You healed me- v. 2
O LORD, You brought me up from the grave; You spared me from going down into the pit- v. 3
To You, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:...Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help- vv. 8-10
Sing to the LORD, you saints of His; praise His holy Name...rejoicing comes in the morning- vv. 4-5
Implicit in
7. Expression of thanks and praise
Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim...?- v. 9
that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever- v. 12
You turned my wailing into dancing...I will give You thanks forever- vv. 11-12
Notice the repetition of contrasts
anger - favor
weeping - rejoicing
wailing - dancing
sackcloth - joy
weeping - rejoicing
wailing - dancing
sackcloth - joy
Notice the contrast between then - now
Notice the repetition of key words:
grave- pit
destruction - pit
destruction - pit
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1a
Superscription
Of David
A Maskil [contemplative poem]
1b-2
The Forgiven one is blessed
quoted by Paul in Romans
1b
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven
1c
whose sins are covered
2a
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him
2b
and in whose spirit is no deceit
3-4
Hiding sin causes soul rot
3a
When I kept silent,
3b
my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long
4a
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me
4b
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer
Selah
5
Confession of sin brings healing
5a
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
5b
and did not cover up my iniquity
5c
I said,
I will confess my transgression to the LORD
5d
and You forgave the guilt of my sin
Selah
6-7
Confession leads to blessing and praise
6
General
6a
Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while YOu may be found
6b
surely when the mighty waters rise,
6c
they will not reach him.
7
Personal
7a
You are my hiding place
7b
You will protect me from trouble
7c
and surround me with songs of deliverance
Selah
8-10
The moral: Don't be a fool - the Two Ways
8
I will teach you
8a
I will instruct you
8b
and teach you in the way you should go
8c
I will counsel you
8d
and my eyes will be on you
9
Don't be a fool, but repent by your own choice
9a
Do no be like the horse of the mule
9b
which have no understanding
9c
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
9d
or they will not come to you
10
The two ways
10a
Many are the troubles of the wicked,
10b
but the LORDS's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him
11
Praise
11a
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous
11b
Sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Comments
Repentance is necessary to purge the poison of sin
take drastic measures to deal with sin
Kill it or it will multiply
Amputating a limb is a painful, uncomfortable process, but it is sometimes necessary to save the life.
Just as Jesus said it would be better to enter life maimed than to enter hell whole (Matt 5:29-30)
Take whatever steps necessary to deal with sin in your life
This is not a one time experience, but should be a regular habit of repentance
Be killing sin or it will be killing you.- John Owen
Kill it or it will multiply
Amputating a limb is a painful, uncomfortable process, but it is sometimes necessary to save the life.
Just as Jesus said it would be better to enter life maimed than to enter hell whole (Matt 5:29-30)
Take whatever steps necessary to deal with sin in your life
This is not a one time experience, but should be a regular habit of repentance
our Lord and Master Jesus Christ . . . willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.- Martin Luther
Confession leads to healing
Confession is painful, but it is good medicine
Repentance seems hard, but we must trust God that it is worth it
Repentance seems hard, but we must trust God that it is worth it
A serious attempt to repent and really to know one’s own sins is in the long run a lightening and relieving process. Of course, there is bound to be a first dismay and often terror and later great pain, yet that is much less in the long run than the anguish of a mass of unrepented and unexamined sins, lurking in the background of our minds....Repentance is not something God demands of you before He will take you back and which He could let you off if He chose; it is simply a description of what going back is like.C.S. Lewis
The one who confesses finds God as a refuge
There may be consequences to our sin (hiding our sin makes the consequences worse in the long run)
But when we confess, we run to God Who protects us from the worst consequences
But when we confess, we run to God Who protects us from the worst consequences
The two 'coverings':
We either cover our sin (v. 5)
Trying to hide it like Adam and Eve trying to cover themselves with fig leaves
This is never successful in the long run.
Or trying to atone for our own sin by our good works
This is also impossible, because the guilt of even the smallest sin is beyond our ability to atone for.
Or God covers our sin (v. 1)
This is never successful in the long run.
Or trying to atone for our own sin by our good works
This is also impossible, because the guilt of even the smallest sin is beyond our ability to atone for.
The one who confesses is truly covered with atonement
The Two Ways:
-cf. Psalm 1 - the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked
The way of the wicked = hiding
The way of the righteous = trusting God with confession
Don't be like a stupid animal that must be forced, but freely confess
The way of the wicked = hiding
The way of the righteous = trusting God with confession
Don't be like a stupid animal that must be forced, but freely confess
The sinner who confesses and seeks God is equated with the righteous one in v. 11
Book 2:
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1
Superscription
For the pre-eminent one
a contemplative poem
of the Sons of Korah
2-6
First Stanza
2-5
Cry out in honesty
2-3
I thirst for God
2a
Like a deer is longing for streams of water
2b
So my soul is longing for You, O God
3a
My soul is thirsty for God, for the living God
3b
When will I enter and see your face, O God?
I long for God because I miss Him,
like a starving man longs for food
like a starving man longs for food
4
I suffer in the midst of enemies
4a
My tears have been my bread, day and night
day and night-cf. v. 8
4b
When they say to me all day long,
Where is your God?
-cf. v. 10
The enemies taunt the Psalmist because of His faith in God and His experience of distance from God
The enemies taunt the Psalmist because of His faith in God and His experience of distance from God
5
I pour out my soul as I remember
5a
These things I remember as I pour out my soul concerning me.
remember-cf. v. 6
on
concerning me-cf. vv. 5, 6, 7, 11, 43:4
The sorrow is made worse when the Psalmist remembers how good it was in the past
5b
That I passed along in the throng
5c
I would lead them slowly, deliberately until the house of God
until-cf. 43:4
house of God- theme of Temple, Zion, God's dwelling place in Psalms
5d
With a voice of a ringing cry and thanksgiving
5e
The crowd of those celebrating
6
Cry out in hope - Refrain
We need both honesty and hope
Honesty with no hope leads to despair
Hope with no honesty leads to self-deception disconnected with a hurting world
Honesty with no hope leads to despair
Hope with no honesty leads to self-deception disconnected with a hurting world
6a
Why are you cast down/despairing my soul?
Why despair?
When we realize Who God is, giving in to this kind of doubt and despair is unreasonable and unfaithful.
Tell yourself not to listen to circumstances, but to listen to the truth.
When we realize Who God is, giving in to this kind of doubt and despair is unreasonable and unfaithful.
Tell yourself not to listen to circumstances, but to listen to the truth.
Preach the Gospel to Yourself every day- Lloyd Jones
When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart.- Spurgeon
6b
And you murmur concerning me?
6c
Hope in, Wait for God
Theme of lifting up of the soul, clinging to God in the Psalms.
6d
Because I will still thank/praise Him
6e
My salvation and my God
7-12
Second Stanza
7-11
Cry out in honesty
7
My soul is downcast as I remember
7a
My soul is downcast concerning me
7b
Therefore, I will remember from the land of Jordan
7c
And Hermon, from the mountain of Mizar
Hermon- mountain at the extreme border, or outside the border of the promised land
from the mountain of Mizaror
from the small mountain
8
I am overwhelmed with trouble
8a
Deep chaos in addition to deep chaos calling
In Hebrew cosmology, tehom [deep] is the primeval chaos of the sea which is overcome by God's creative ordering and limiting.
The deep is feared and is an enemy which is overcome by God's saving activity
The deep is feared and is an enemy which is overcome by God's saving activity
8b
The sound of your waterfalls
8c
All of your breakers and your waves
Figurative of calamities and chastisements - BDB
The Psalmist uses the illustration of waterfalls and sea breakers to demonstrate the chaos he is experiencing
The Psalmist uses the illustration of waterfalls and sea breakers to demonstrate the chaos he is experiencing
8d
They pass over (concerning) me
9
[An interlude of hope]
9a
By day, Yahweh will command His covenant love
Hebrew chesed - often translated
loving kindness,
unfailing love,
grace
9b
In the night, His song is with me
9c
A prayer to the God of my life
Very similar (one letter difference) to
living Godin v. 3
10
I am forgotten by God, oppressed by enemies
10a
I say to God my rock
10b
Why have you forgotten me?
10c
Why do I walk in darkness, oppressed by an enemy?
-cf. 43:2-3
11
I suffer in the midst of enemies
11a
When my bones are shattered
11b
My foes reproach me saying all day long,
Where is your God?
12
Cry out in hope - refrain
-cf. v. 6
12a
Why are you cast down/despairing my soul?
12b
And you murmur concerning me?
12c
Hope in, Wait for God
12d
Because I will still thank/praise Him
12e
My salvation and my God
1-5
Third Stanza
1-4
Cry out in honesty
1
Prayer for vindication
1a
Vindicate me O God
1b
Plead my case against an ungodly nation
1c
Deliver me from a man of treachery and injustice
2
I am forgotten by God, oppressed by enemies
2a
For You are God of my refuge
2b
Why have you rejected me?
2c
Why do I walk in darkness, oppressed by an enemy?
3
Prayer for light and truth to guide
3a
Stretch out Your light and Your faithfulness/truth
Heb. emeth, often translated
-cf. Exo. 34:6, Psa. 25:10, 85:10, 89:15, Isa. 16:5, John 1:17
faithfulness,or
truth,often paired with chesed (42:8) when referring to God as having
grace and truth
-cf. Exo. 34:6, Psa. 25:10, 85:10, 89:15, Isa. 16:5, John 1:17
3b
These, let them guide me
3c
They will bring me unto Your holy mountain
3d
And unto Your dwelling place
4
An expression of assurance
4a
And let me go in unto the altar of God
4b
Unto God, my gladness and my joy
4c
I will thank/praise You with a lyre, God, my God
5
Cry out in hope - refrain
-cf. 42:6, 12
5a
Why are you cast down/despairing my soul?
5b
And you murmur concerning me?
5c
Hope in, Wait for God
5d
Because I will still thank/praise Him
5e
My salvation and my God
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1-2
Superscription
1a
To the preeminent one
1b
A Song of David
2a
When Nathan went in to him
2b
Just as he went in to Bathsheba
went in- possibly an ironic wordplay with the previous clause. But this verb is so common, it is not certain
3-4
Opening Plea for forgiveness
3a
Show me grace O God, according to Your covenant faithfulness/love
3b
According to Your compassion, blot out the guilt of my transgression
-cf. Psa. 9:6, 51:11
4a
Thoroughly was me from my evil
4b
And from my sin, purify me
5-8
Confession
5-6b
Confession
5a
Because my transgressions, I myself, I know
This horrible English is meant to show the word order and emphasis in the original Hebrew, as throughout
Iis emphasized - David highlights that he personally acknowledges his transgressions
5b
And my sin is before me continually
David is expressing what we would call a guilty conscience
His sin is a continual reality in his thoughts
His sin is a continual reality in his thoughts
6a
Against You, You alone, I sinned
Of course, in one sense, there were other victims of David's sin - e.g. Bathsheba, Uriah, etc.
But he emphasizes that sin is primarily against God Himself, to the extent that none else matters in comparison
Every sin is cosmic rebellion
But he emphasizes that sin is primarily against God Himself, to the extent that none else matters in comparison
Every sin is cosmic rebellion
6b
And what is evil in Your eyes, I did
6c-d
Agreeing with God
6c
So that You are just in Your word
Either causal (so Williams para. 366)
or result expressed ironically as intended purpose (so BDB)
I did evil in Your eyes because Your words are just...
or result expressed ironically as intended purpose (so BDB)
I did evil in order that/with the result that You are just in Your words.
6d
You are pure in Your judgments
7-8
Confession
7a
Behold, in iniquity I was brought forth
7b
And in sin my mother conceived me
8a
Behold, truth/faithfulness You desire in the inner parts
8b
An in the closed up part wisdom You teach me
9-11
Prayer for Cleansing
9a
Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean
hyssop is a plant used in cleansing rituals, as prescribed by the Law of Moses
David is praying that the means of cleansing revealed and promised by God be applied in his case
David is praying that the means of cleansing revealed and promised by God be applied in his case
9b
Wash me and more than snow I will grow white
10a
Cause me to hear exultation and joy
10b
They will rejoice, the bones You crushed
11a
Hide Your face from my sins
11b
And all of my evils, wipe out
12-14
Prayer for Restoration
12a
A clean heart, create in me, O God
12b
A steadfast spirit, renew/repair in my inward part
steadfast- Established, firm, steadfast, directed aright, cf. Psa. 119:5, 57:7
13a
Do not send me away from You
13b
And Your Holy Spirit, do not take from me
14a
Return to me the joy of Your salvation
14b
And a willing spirit, support/uphold
15-19
Testimony
15
Declaring the Name - pt. 1
15a
I will teach transgressors Your ways
15b
And sinners, unto You will return
16a-b
Theme Verse
16a
Deliver me from bloodguilt
16b
O God, God of my salvation
16c-17
Declaring the Name - pt. 2
16c
My tongue will cry out aloud Your righteousness
17a
My Lord, my lips will open
17b
And my mouth will declare Your praise
18-19
The right kind of sacrifice
18a
For You do not delight in sacrifice
18b
And when I give a whole burnt offering, You will not be pleased
19a
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit
19b
A broken and crushed heart O God, You will not despise
crushed-cf. v. 10
You will not despise-cf. Psa. 73:20
20
Prayer for Zion
20a
Do good in Your grace to Zion
-cf. Psa. 5:13, 30:6,8, 89:18, 106:4, 69:14, etc.
20b
Build the walls of Jerusalem
21
Vow to praise
21a
Then You will take pleasure in righteous sacrifices
then- logical sequence, not temporal
21b
And perfect whole burnt offerings
21c
Then they will go up on Your altar, young bulls
Comments
The order of the typical parts/progression of thought is significant
Confession and asking forgiveness comes before prayer for cleansing
Prayer for cleansing comes before prayer for restoration, etc.
Prayer for cleansing comes before prayer for restoration, etc.
David is not just asking for forgiveness, there is a lot more going on
Asking for a change of life, a new life
Going to the root of the problem and dealing with it
Going to the root of the problem and dealing with it
Confession is more than just a listing of sins
It is not just confessing that we sin, but that we are sinners
Acknowledging God as the standard, and that he is right
Acknowledging God's standards as right and at the same time so far beyond us
We are not good people who do bad things, but bad people
It is acknowledging our badness and inability
Acknowledging that sin is against God It is acknowledging our badness and inability
Acknowledging God as the standard, and that he is right
Acknowledging God's standards as right and at the same time so far beyond us
conceived in sinis not about the mother, but the child
It is not saying that the mother is sinful in conceiving a child
But that the child [David] was sinful from the time he was conceived
Proclivity towards sin is characteristic of our life
If we don't acknowledge the reality of sin in our own life, we are self-deceived
We need honesty in this area if we are to have hope
But that the child [David] was sinful from the time he was conceived
lit.
NIV
This is the doctrine of original sin I was born in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me
NIV
I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Proclivity towards sin is characteristic of our life
Original sin is the only doctrine that can be directly scientifically proved.- G.K. Chesterton
If we don't acknowledge the reality of sin in our own life, we are self-deceived
We need honesty in this area if we are to have hope
Sin is not the worst thing in the world, denial of sin is.- Fulton Sheen
Prayer for cleansing/forgiveness
That we would truly be clean, not just declared clean
Not pretending that it didn't happen, but truly forgiven even though it did happen
Not pretending that it didn't happen, but truly forgiven even though it did happen
And prayer for restoration
We don't come back as 2nd class citizens, on probation
But we are truly restored, it is in the past and gone.
But we are truly restored, it is in the past and gone.
God is the only One Who can actually do the restoration
It takes a miraculous work of new creation
Same word as used in Gen. 1:1, Supernatural creation that only God can do
Same word as used in Gen. 1:1, Supernatural creation that only God can do
In the same way, God grants the ability to enjoy and sustain new life
It says
Keep me in your presence
Don't take Your Holy Spirit away
Grant me a willing spirit - to sustain me
joy of YOUR salvation
Keep me in your presence
Don't take Your Holy Spirit away
Grant me a willing spirit - to sustain me
David does not promise to be more willing
But He prays that God would make him more willing
We work out our salvation because God works in us both to will and to do (Phil. 2:12-13)
But He prays that God would make him more willing
We work out our salvation because God works in us both to will and to do (Phil. 2:12-13)
to sustain- so that I don't do it again
The one who is forgiven much, loves much (proclaims much)
Our forgiveness leads to our testimony
We should not be shy about proclamation
We should not be shy about proclamation
He teaches others God's ways
Sinners will turn back to God because of David's testimony
Sinners will turn back to God because of David's testimony
Theme verse, v. 14a-b in the center
This is a chiasm - emphasizes
God Who saves meat the center
Broken and contrite heart is better than sacrifice
honest confession is important
Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted
-cf. the Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:10-14)
Blessed are they who mourn for they will be comforted
-cf. the Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:10-14)
Prayer for Zion
This is an important theme
Does this seem out of place in a penitential Psalm
The theme of corporate solidarity helps explain it
David was king - as goes David, so goes the nation
Their destinies are entwined together
Zion is the fullness of blessing and prosperity - including forgiveness and restoration -cf. Jer. 31
Does this seem out of place in a penitential Psalm
The theme of corporate solidarity helps explain it
David was king - as goes David, so goes the nation
Their destinies are entwined together
Zion is the fullness of blessing and prosperity - including forgiveness and restoration -cf. Jer. 31
Vow to praise
The proper response is worship
It comes from gratitude more than from duty
It comes from gratitude more than from duty
Confession is important for the church
Too often this is downplayed in the modern church
But it is absolutely indispensable
Not just for the corporate church, but also for the individual Christian
But it is absolutely indispensable
Not just for the corporate church, but also for the individual Christian
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1
Superscription
1a
to the preeminent one/choir director
1b
Upon "the dove of distant silence"
Possibly a song title, which gives the tune with which to sing the Psalm
1c
A Miktam of David
A technical term of uncertain meaning
Possibly
Always appears with
Possibly
inscription
Always appears with
of David
1d
When the Philistines seized him in Gath
-cf. 1 Sam. 21:10-15
2-3
Cry for help/Description of suffering
2a
Be gracious to me O God, because mankind crushes me
2b
All day long, the fighting ones oppress me
cf. Psa. 35:1
3a
The ones who lie in wait crush me all day long
3b
Because many are the ones who war against me arrogantly
4-5
REFRAIN - Confession of trust
4a
Whenever I fear, I will trust in you
5a
Through God, I will praise His Word
Means or instrument,
through God's help
5b
Through God, I will trust, I will not fear
5c
What will mankind do to me?
as in
expressing disdain for the possibility that weak flesh will be able to do anything to the Psalmist who trusts in God
what can it do?
expressing disdain for the possibility that weak flesh will be able to do anything to the Psalmist who trusts in God
6-7
Description of suffering
6a
All day long, they vex my affairs
6b
All of their plans against me are evil
7a
They quarrel, They themselves lie in wait/lurk
7b
They watch my footsteps as they lie in wait for my soul
8
Petition for Rescue
8a
On account of wickedness, bring [me] to safety from them
8b
Bring down people with wrath, O God
9
Appeal to God's Nature/Covenant
9a
You Yourself have taken account of my aimless fugitive wanderings
9b
Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your scroll?
10
Expression of assurance
10a
They my enemies will turn back
10b
In [that] day I will call
10c
This I know: that God is for me
11-12
REFRAIN - Confession of trust
11a
Through God, I will praise His Word
-cf. v. 5
11b
Through Yahweh, I will praise His Word
12a
Through God, I will trust, I will not fear
12b
What can a man do to me?
13
Vow to Praise
13a
Your vows are an obligation to me O God
13b
I will fulfill thank offerings to You
14
Expression of assurance
14a
Because You deliver my soul from death
14b
Are not my feet free from stumbling?
-cf. Psa. 116:8
14c
To walk before God in the light of the living
walk- of friendly relation to God, cf. Gen. 17:1, 24:40
As token of Divine favor, cf. 1 Sam. 2:30, Psa. 116:9
Book3:
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1a
Superscription
A psalm
of Asaph
of Asaph
1b-c
The confession
1b
Surely God is good to Israel
1c
to those who are pure in heart
2-12
The problem
2-3
Envy of the wicked
2a
But I, my feet slipped a little
2b
My steps almost slid away
I was almost slipping away- KB
Similar to the movie scene when a car or person teeters on the edge of a cliff and it is unsure whether they will fall or not
3a
For I was envious of the arrogant ones
3b
[when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked ones.
4-9
The description of the wicked
4-5
They don't have problems
4a
There is no pang to their death
4b
And their belly is fat
5a
They are free from the trouble of mankind
5b
They are not plagued along with humanity
6-7
They are proud
6a
Therefore, pride is their necklace
6b
They clothe themselves with garments of violence
7a
From their unresponsive eye comes iniquity
7b
The imaginations of [their] heart overflows
8-9
They are rebellious
8a
They mock, and speak with malice
8b
From high arrogance they speak oppression
9a
They set their mouths against heaven
9b
and their tongues do the same thing on the earth
do the same thing- lit.
walk
possibly means behavior, lifestyle -
their tongues behave this way on earth
possibly means
followi.e.
does the same thing
10-12
People follow them in their rebellion
10
People follow them
10a
Therefore he turned people to him
10b
And waters of abundance are pured out for him
11-12
What these people think
11
God won't judge
11a
They say,
How can God know?
11b
And
Is there knowledge with the Most High?
12
The wicked are worth following
12a
Behold, these are wicked ones
12b
They are continually at ease, they increase in wealth.
13-14
Ironic restatement of the problem -
God's ways don't pay
13a
Surely in vain I have made/kept my heart pure
13b
And [in vain] I have washed my hands in innocence
14a
And I was plagued all day long
14b
And my punishment in the morning
15-20
Solution - coming to his senses
15
Realizing the error of this mindset
15a
If I said,
I will announce/tell this kind of thing,
15b
Behold, I would have dealt treacherously with your children
i.e.
If I would actually have given in to this attitude and lived it out, I would have betrayed God's people
16-17
How the realization came
16a
When I tried to understand this
16b
It was trouble in my eyes.
17a
Until I entered the sanctuary of God
17b
[then] I understood their destiny
destinylit.
what happens afterward,cf. v. 24
18-20
Their destiny
18a
Surely you place them on a slippery place
18b
You caused them to fall to deception
19a
How they have come to desolation in a moment
19b
They come to an end, they are finished because of sudden terrors!
20a
As a dream when one awakes
20b
so when you arise, O Lord
20c
You will despise them as fantasies
Either
Or
imagelike a shadow lacking reality (implied from parallelism with 20a)
Or
idolas in idolatry (implied in the rest of the Psalm)
21-28
Recounting the change
21-22
I was stupid to doubt
21a
When my heart was embittered
21b
And I was pierced/dismayed in my secret parts
to be pierced through one's internal organs, be poignantly disturbed- KB
22a
I was brutish and I was not understanding
22b
I was a brute beast with you
23-24
But now I see the reality
23a
Yet I am always with you
23b
You grasp [me] by my right hand
24a
You will guide me by your counsel
24b
And afterward You will take me into glory
afterward- same word as
destinyin v. 17
The Psalmist contrasts two ways and their two different destinies
25-26
The confession
25a
Who is mine in heaven [except You]?
Possibly possessive
Possibly interest/advantage
Possibly assistance/partisanship
Who is mine?
Possibly interest/advantage
Who is for my sake?
Possibly assistance/partisanship
Who is on my side?
25b
And I don't desire anything in the earth in addition to You
26a
My flesh and my heart will fade away
26b
[but] God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever
27-28
The bottom line
27a
For behold, those who are far from You will perish
27b
You will annihilate all who are unfaithful to You
28a
And for me, nearness to God is good
28b
I have made my refuge in the Lord Yahweh
28c
To announce/tell all of Your deeds
Same word as v. 15
Instead of acknowledging and announcing the mindset of the wicked, the Psalmist acknowledges and announces the great deeds of the Lord.
Instead of acknowledging and announcing the mindset of the wicked, the Psalmist acknowledges and announces the great deeds of the Lord.
Comments
Notice the word
surelyin v. 1, 13, and 18. It is used for emphasis and to highlight the themes of the Psalm
He was taken in by appearances, almost to the point of failing
our society is all about appearances, image, reputation, and publicity
God does not look at the outward appearance, but the heart (1 Sam 16:7)
Things don't have to look spiritual and good to genuinely be spiritual and good
Things that look like failure are not always so
Many actually are taken in to the point of following in rebellion
Be careful by which standard you evaluate things
God does not look at the outward appearance, but the heart (1 Sam 16:7)
Things don't have to look spiritual and good to genuinely be spiritual and good
Things that look like failure are not always so
Many actually are taken in to the point of following in rebellion
Be careful by which standard you evaluate things
Too many believers look at celebrities, rich and famous and envy them.
Too many in our culture idolize and follow people into ideologies that are ungodly
Too many ignore godliness because it does not look hip and cool
Too many churches try to be hip and cool and forget what is truly important
We need to be very careful of being taken in by appearances. Look for the reality behind appearances.
Too many in our culture idolize and follow people into ideologies that are ungodly
Too many ignore godliness because it does not look hip and cool
Too many churches try to be hip and cool and forget what is truly important
It is an issue of
heart
Our heart/attitude is the battleground between two destinies
-cf. v. 1
-cf. v. 7
-cf. v. 13
-cf. v. 21
-cf. 26
-cf. v. 1
the pure of heart
-cf. v. 7
the imaginations of their heart
-cf. v. 13
I have kept my heart pure in vain
-cf. v. 21
my heart was embittered
-cf. 26
my flesh and heart may fail, but You are the strength of my heart
He came to his senses when He entered the temple
The temple was the place where he was reminded of the reality of God and the fantasy of all of these other things by comparison
In the temple, the Psalmist saw beyond appearances to reality
He saw that the difference was in timing
Even if the wicked were prospering, the prosperity was temporary
Something that lasts only a moment is not as real as something that lasts forever
Good looks, popularity, etc. can be deceptively fleeting, and are not as important as we often make them
Even if the wicked were prospering, the prosperity was temporary
Something that lasts only a moment is not as real as something that lasts forever
Good looks, popularity, etc. can be deceptively fleeting, and are not as important as we often make them
destiny- what comes afterward
The same word is used in v. 17 and v. 24
lit.
There are two destinies described:
lit.
what comes afterwardi.e. the ultimate result of what came before
There are two destinies described:
The destiny of the wicked is to slip and fall (v. 18), to end in terror (v. 19), to be despised by God (v. 20), to disappear like a dream when you awake (v. 20), and to be destroyed (v. 27)
Contrast the destiny of the wicked with the temporary appearance of their blessing
The destiny of the believing Psalmist is to be with God (v. 23, 28), to be led/guided by God (v. 23-24), to be taken to glory (v. 24), and to have God as his portion (v. 26)
Contrast the destiny of the wicked with the temporary appearance of their blessing
The destiny of the believing Psalmist is to be with God (v. 23, 28), to be led/guided by God (v. 23-24), to be taken to glory (v. 24), and to have God as his portion (v. 26)
We desperately need this kind of reality check on a regular basis
We get it in Psalms 1&2
We get it when we go to church, have devotions, etc.
We get it whenever we somehow experience the reality of God, his presence, power and purposes
And it shows the shallowness of worldly things by contrast
We get it when we go to church, have devotions, etc.
We get it whenever we somehow experience the reality of God, his presence, power and purposes
And it shows the shallowness of worldly things by contrast
Book4:
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1-5
First Stanza
1-2
Call to worship
1a
Come, let us cry out for joy to the Lord
cry out-
pi. in contrast to qal means to let out an entire series of cries of jubilation, to rejoice.- HALOT en loc.
1b
let us raise a shout to the Rock of our salvation.
2a
Let us draw near to His presence with thanksgiving
2b
and let us raise a shout of triumph to Him with song
3-5
Reason to worship - He is Creator over all
3a
For the Lord is a great God
3b
And the great King over all gods
4a
In Whose hand are the unexplored depths of the earth
4b
and the peaks of the mountains belong to Him
5a
Who, the sea belongs to Him, for He Himself made it
5b
and His hands formed the dry land
6-7c
Second Stanza
6
Call to worship
6a
Come, let us worship and let us bow down
6b
let us kneel before the Lord the One Who made us
7a-c
Reason to worship - He is Covenant Lord
7a
because He is our God
7b
and we are the people of His shepherding
7c
and [we are] the flock of His hand/care
7d-11
Third Stanza
7d-9
Call to worship
7d
Today, if you hear His voice
8a
do not harden your hearts
8b
as [your fathers did at] Meribah
8c
as [your fathers did] that day at Massah in the desert
9a
where your fathers tested
9b
they tried/examined me
9c
they had also seen my deed/work
10-11
Reason to worship - He leads faithful people to His rest
10a
[For] forty years I felt loathing against that generation
10b
I said,
They are a people of erring/wandering heart,
10c
and they did not know my ways.
11a
Which I declared on oath in my anger,
11b
They shall never enter my rest/resting place
Comments
Notice the typical pattern of Hymns
call to praise and reasons for praise
matching of praise with the reasons that God is worthy of praise
matching of praise with the reasons that God is worthy of praise
The third stanza seems to break the mold
The form helps us to understand what's going on in the third stanza
The challenge to not harder your heart is a call to worship
The challenge to not harder your heart is a call to worship
We worship by trusting in God's ability and faithfulness
This is the opposite of the way that the Israelites treated God at Meribah and Massah -cf. Exodus 17:1-7
The reason to worship is twofold:
This is the opposite of the way that the Israelites treated God at Meribah and Massah -cf. Exodus 17:1-7
1. Warning of God's displeasure/wrath - here described as exclusion from God's wrath
2. Invitation to enter God's rest - the fullness of all that God has planned for His people.
2. Invitation to enter God's rest - the fullness of all that God has planned for His people.
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1-2
Call to Praise
1a
Sing to Yahweh a new song
1b
Sing to Yahweh all the earth
2a
Sing to Yahweh, bless His Name
-cf. 1 Chron. 16:23ff.
2b
Herald His salvation as glad tidings from day to day
3
Missionary Praise
3a
Relate/recount/rehearse His glory among the nations
3b
[Relate] His wonderful deeds in all peoples
4-6
Reasons for Praise
4a
Because Yahweh is great and very worthy to be praised
-cf. Psa. 28:2, 145:3
4b
He is to be feared above all 'gods'
-cf. Psa. 47:3, 68:36, 76:8, 89:8, Deut. 7:21, 10:17
5a
Because all of the 'gods' of the people are idols/worthless things
5b
But Yahweh, He made the heavens
6a
Splendor and majesty are before Him
Splendor-cf. Job 40:10, Psa. 111:3
majesty-cf. Psa. 104:1, 29:4, 145:5
6b
Strength and beauty are in His Holy Place
7-9a
Call to Praise
7a
Ascribe to Yahweh, tribes of people
7b
Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength
8a
Ascribe to Yahweh the glory of His Name
8b
Offer a tribute and enter His courts
9a
Worship/bow down to Yahweh in holy splendor/attire
holy splendor/attire- lit.
splendor of holiness
either priestly attire (BDB) or splendor of God's 'attire' (KB)
9b-10
Missionary Praise
9b
Writhe in agony from His face/away from Him all the earth
10a
Say among the nations, Yahweh reigns
10b
Thus the world will be established, she will not be shaken
10c
He will judge the peoples with uprightness
11-12
Cosmic Praise
11a
Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad
11b
Let the sea thunder and its fullness
12a
Let the field and everything in it exult
12b
Then all of the trees of the forest will give a ringing cry before the Lord
13
Reasons for Praise
13a
Because He is coming
13b
Because He is coming to judge the earth
13c
He will judge the earth with righteousness
13d
And [He will judge] peoples with His truth/faithfulness
Comments
Notice the standard formal elements - call to praise and reasons to praise
Notice the grand scope of the Psalm
It goes beyond personal praise to call the entire nation to praise
And it calls all nations (missionary) and all the earth (cosmic) to praise the Lord
And it calls all nations (missionary) and all the earth (cosmic) to praise the Lord
Notice that this is tied to reasons which are just as grand and cosmic in scope
Book5:
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1a
Superscription
Of David
A Psalm/Song
1b-3
First Oracle
1b-d
Oracle
1b
Introductory Formula:
Oracle/utterance of the LORD to my Lord:
There are two different words translated
The first is the Personal Name of God, probably pronounced 'Yahweh'
The second is the word
Jesus quotes this verse referring to the Son of David being greater than David
Lordin this verse
The first is the Personal Name of God, probably pronounced 'Yahweh'
The second is the word
master, ruler, leader
Jesus quotes this verse referring to the Son of David being greater than David
1c-d
Oracle
1c
Sit at my right hand
1d
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.
This verse is quoted in Matt. 22:44, Mk. 12:36, Luke 20:42, Acts 2:34-5, Heb. 1:13
-cf. Matt. 26:64, 1 Cor. 15:25, Heb. 1:3, 10:12-13, 12:2, Eph. 1:20
-cf. Matt. 26:64, 1 Cor. 15:25, Heb. 1:3, 10:12-13, 12:2, Eph. 1:20
2-3
Related Promises
2
First:
2a
The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion
-cf. Psa. 2:6-8, 45:6
2b
Rule in the midst of your enemies
-cf. Gen. 49:10
3a-b
Second:
3a
Your troops will be willing on your day of battle
3b
Arrayed in holy majesty
-cf. 1 Chron. 16:29, Psa. 96:9
3c-d
Third:
3c
from the womb of the dawn
probably refers to the source of the dawn, or early morning as the source of the dew
3d
the dew of your youth is for you
dewis part of Jacob's blessing in Gen. 27:28 and is often mentioned as a sign of blessing
4-7
Second Oracle
4
Oracle
4a-b
Introductory Formula
4a
The LORD has sworn
The LORDis the Personal Name of God - Yahweh
4b
and will not change His mind
In one sense, this phrase is unnecessary because when God swears to do something, He always keeps His promises
But in the parallelism, the second line amplifies and underscores God's promise and the absolute certainty, with no possibility of failure
But in the parallelism, the second line amplifies and underscores God's promise and the absolute certainty, with no possibility of failure
4c-d
Oracle
4c
You are a priest forever
4d
in the order of Melchizedek
quoted in Heb. 5:6, 7:17, cf. Gen. 14:18, Heb. 6:20
5-7
Related Promises
5
First:
5a
The Lord is as your right hand
the Lordis the noun
master, ruler, lordnot God's Personal Name
-cf. Psa. 16:8, 109:31
5b
He crushes kings on the day of His wrath
-cf. Psa. 2:5, 12, Rev. 11:18
6
Second:
6a
He will judge the nations
-cf. Joel 3:12
6b
heaping up the dead
-cf. Isa. 66:24
6c
He crushes many heads/leaders of the land/earth
-cf. Psa. 68:21
7
Third:
7a
He will drink from a brook beside the way
-cf. Judges 15:18-19
7b
therefore, he will lift up his head
-cf. Psa. 3:3, 27:6
Comments:
Notice the place of this Psalm in the overall book of Psalms
Book 3 (Psalms 73-89) ends with a royal Psalm, but a royal Psalm of desperation (Psa. 89 - "Why has God's promise to David apparently failed?")
Much of book 4 (Psalms 90-106) is about God as King of Israel and of the world
And in Book 4, there is less mention of Israel's human kings as God's representative
Book 4 seems to sense a lack of an earthly king and transfers kingly rule exclusively to God.
Psalm 110 (near the beginning of Book 5 (Psalms 108-150)) reverses that attitude of apparent defeat with a solid promise
The promise is that an earthly king would continue forever in a priestly role. This is assured by an oath from God
Much of book 4 (Psalms 90-106) is about God as King of Israel and of the world
And in Book 4, there is less mention of Israel's human kings as God's representative
Book 4 seems to sense a lack of an earthly king and transfers kingly rule exclusively to God.
Psalm 110 (near the beginning of Book 5 (Psalms 108-150)) reverses that attitude of apparent defeat with a solid promise
The promise is that an earthly king would continue forever in a priestly role. This is assured by an oath from God
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind
Notice that this Psalm is a reaffirmation of the earlier promises of Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel ch. 7
God promises His earthly King that He would give him a scepter to crush his enemies
God promises that a descendant of David would rule on His throne forever
This Psalm echoes these promises and even goes beyond them in scope and magnitude.
God promises that a descendant of David would rule on His throne forever
This Psalm echoes these promises and even goes beyond them in scope and magnitude.
Notice that the first oracle (vv. 1-3) uses the word
yourto focus on the human King
Notice that God accomplishes the promises, not the human king
The Psalm does not focus on the human king winning battles, but on God giving victories
God puts the enemies under the King's feet. This is not the King's doing
God puts the enemies under the King's feet. This is not the King's doing
Notice that the people will be the King's willing subjects, not forced slaves
What is the significance of Melchizedek?
Melchizedek is only mentioned in 3 places in the entire Bible (Gen. ch. 14, Psa. 110 and Heb. chs. 5-7)
In the Genesis story, He has higher ranking than Abraham (as emphasized in Hebrews [remember that David's 'Lord' is greater than David in v. 1])
Hebrews makes the application that his priesthood is therefore higher ranking than the priesthood of Aaron and his descendants
Melchizedek is the king of Salem, which is Jerusalem (long before the Israelites made Jerusalem the capital)
Melchizedek is a priest - an intermediary between God and mankind
Melchizedek brings the roles of king and priest together in one person. In Israel, these two roles were always separate
And Melchizedek is completely separate from the normal priestly system in OT Israel, which is emphasized in Hebrews to prove that his priesthood is not temporary like Aaron's priesthood.
The book of Hebrews makes it clear that the ultimate fulfillment of everything about Melchizedek is found in Jesus
In the Genesis story, He has higher ranking than Abraham (as emphasized in Hebrews [remember that David's 'Lord' is greater than David in v. 1])
Hebrews makes the application that his priesthood is therefore higher ranking than the priesthood of Aaron and his descendants
Melchizedek is the king of Salem, which is Jerusalem (long before the Israelites made Jerusalem the capital)
Salemmeans
peace, therefore, he is king of peace
Melchizedekmeans
King of Righteousness
Melchizedek is a priest - an intermediary between God and mankind
Melchizedek brings the roles of king and priest together in one person. In Israel, these two roles were always separate
And Melchizedek is completely separate from the normal priestly system in OT Israel, which is emphasized in Hebrews to prove that his priesthood is not temporary like Aaron's priesthood.
The book of Hebrews makes it clear that the ultimate fulfillment of everything about Melchizedek is found in Jesus
Jesus is higher than David, Abraham and Aaron, etc.
Jesus is the true Prince of Peace and King of Righteousness
Jesus is the ultimate intermediary between God and mankind
Because Jesus is an eternal priest, His priesthood is eternally effective, cf. Heb. chs. 5-7
Jesus is the true Prince of Peace and King of Righteousness
Jesus is the ultimate intermediary between God and mankind
Because Jesus is an eternal priest, His priesthood is eternally effective, cf. Heb. chs. 5-7
Notice that God will be victorious
His enemies will be completely crushed
They will become a footstool for His King.
-cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28
They will become a footstool for His King.
-cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-28
24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Notice that the King will be God's representative, enjoying God's favor - again, perfectly fulfilled by Jesus.
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1
The praise of the LORD
1a
Praise the Lord
1b
I will extol/thank the Lord with all my heart
cf. Psa. 9:1
1c
in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation
2-4a
The works of the Lord
2a
Great are the works of the Lord
-cf. Psa. 92:5, 143:5, 139:14
2b
Being inquired about by all who delight in them
3a
Splendor and majesty characterize His deeds
-cf. 145:5
3b
And His righteousness stands forever
-cf. Psa. 112:3, 9, 119:142, Isa. 51:8
4a
He has made His wonders to be remembered
-cf. Psa. 26:7, 78:4
4b-5
The character of the Lord
4b
The Lord is gracious and compassionate
-cf. Exo. 34:6-7, Deut. 4:31, Psa. 86:5, 15, 103:8, 145:8, 112:4
5a
He gives food to those who fear Him
-cf. Psa. 34:9-10, 145:15, Matt. 6:26
5b
He will remember His covenant forever
-cf. Psa. 105:8, Deut. 7:9, Luke 1:72
6-9
The character of the works of the Lord
6a
He has declared the power of His deeds to His people
6b
To give to them the inheritance of the nations
-cf. Psa 105:44
7a
The works of His hands are true/faithful and just
-cf. Psa. 33:4, 89:14, Deut. 32:4
7b
All His precepts are true/confirmed/trustworthy
-cf. Psa. 93:5
8a
They are supported forever and ever
-cf. Psa. 119:89, 160, Isa. 14:8
8b
[They are] done in truth/faithfulness and uprightness
-cf. Psa. 19:9, Rev. 15:3
9a
He sent redemption to His people
-cf. Luke 1:68
9b
He commanded His covenant forever
9c
Holy and awesome/fearful is His Name
-cf. Psa. 99:3, Luke 1:49
10a-b
The fear of the Lord
10a
The fear of the Lord is the chief part/beginning of wisdom
-cf. v. 5, Psa. 19:9, 112:1, Prov. 1:7, 9:10, Job 28:28, Eccl. 12:13
10b
All who do them have prudence/insight
-cf. Deut. 4:6
10c
His praise is established forever
Comments
Notice the repeated words and concepts
deeds/works (vv. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
remembrance (vv. 4, 5)
gracious giving (vv. 5, 6) faithfulness/truth (vv. 7, 8)
justice/righteousness (vv. 3, 7)
uprightness (vv. 1, 3, 8)
forever (vv. 3, 5, 8, 9, 10)
covenant (vv. 5, 9) fear [of the Lord] (vv. 5, 9, 10)
remembrance (vv. 4, 5)
gracious giving (vv. 5, 6) faithfulness/truth (vv. 7, 8)
justice/righteousness (vv. 3, 7)
uprightness (vv. 1, 3, 8)
forever (vv. 3, 5, 8, 9, 10)
covenant (vv. 5, 9) fear [of the Lord] (vv. 5, 9, 10)
The fear of the Lord is the chief part/beginning of wisdom
Fear of the Lordis a theme of the book of Proverbs cf. 1:9, 9:10
fear of the Lord (cf. v. 5, 10)includes profound respect and honor , but is never wholly free from terror, nor should it be.
God is a consuming fire Whom we should be afraid of displeasing [of course, He is also a gracious Father Who has given His love when we deserve His wrath (v. 4)]
chief part/beginningis not just the start of something, which can then be left behind
It is the most basic part, like the alphabet for reading or numbers for arithmetic
You start with the fear of the Lord, but you never leave it behind
Any 'wisdom' without the fear of the Lord is not really wisdom
Notice that this Psalm begins and ends with praise
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The Skeleton of this outline it taken from Anderson, Out of the Depths. p. 108f.
1-2
Introduction
1a
Proclamation of praise
1a
I love [the LORD]
1b-2
Summary of Reason
1b
Because Yahweh heard my voice
1c
[He heard] my supplication for mercy
2a
Because He inclined His ear to me
2b
And I will call out [to Him] in all my days
3-9
Retrospect
3-4
Past Experience
3
Report of need
3a
Cords of death encompass me
3b
the distresses of Sheol found me
3c
I found trouble and distress/sorrow
4
Report of petition
4a
And I will call on the Name of Yahweh
-cf. v. 13, 17
4b
O Yahweh, save/deliver my soul!
5-7
Trust in God
5-6a
Testimony
5a
Yahweh is gracious and righteous
5b
And our God is compassionate
6a
Yahweh is guarding the simple-minded
6b-c
Report of rescue
6b
I was low
6c
And He saved me
7
Testimony
7a
Return, O my soul, to your resting place
7b
Because Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you
8-9
Divine Answer
8
Summary of reason
8a
Because You rescued my soul from death
8b
[You rescued] my eyes from tears
8c
[You rescued] my feet from stumbling
9
Response
9
I will walk before Yahweh in the land of the living
10-19
Conclusion - vow to praise
10-11
Report of need
10a
I believed, therefore I was saying,
10b
I am very bowed down/afflicted
11a
In my dismay/alarm I myself said
In my alarm- temporal,
when I was alarmed
The
Iis emphatic -
I myself
11b
All men are liars/lying
12-14
Vow to Praise
12
Question:
12a
How can I bring back/return/repay to Yahweh
12b
[for] all His goodness/benefits to me?
13-14
Answer:
13a
I will lift up the cup of salvation
13b
and I will cry out in/to the Name of Yahweh
-cf. v. 4, 17
14a
I will fulfill my vows to Yahweh
14b
in the presence of all His people
-cf. v. 18
15-16a
Testimony
15
Precious in the eyes of Yahweh is the death of His pious ones.
16a
O Yahweh, for I am Your servant
16b-d
Expression of thanks and praise
16b
I am Your servant
16c
The son of Your maidservant
16d
You have freed me from my bonds
17-19b
Vow to praise
17a
I will sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving
17b
and cry out in/to the Name of Yahweh
-cf. v. 4, 13
18a
I will fulfill my vows to Yahweh
18b
in the presence of all His people
-cf. v. 14
19a
in the courts of the house of Yahweh
19b
in Your midst, O Jerusalem
19c
Praise Yahweh
Comments:
Notice how God's character is described
He is gracious and righteous, He is compassionate, He guards the simple (v. 5)
He is giving (v. 7)
He is worthy of praise (v. 19)
He is giving (v. 7)
He is worthy of praise (v. 19)
Notice the central stanza/Centered verse:
When I was in great need, He saved me(v. 6)
Notice the fitting response
Gratitude, thanks and praise are a fitting response to God's rescue
These things did not come first, but God's action was prior
These things did not come first, but God's action was prior
Notice that the way to repay is not to try to pay Him back, but to depend on Him more
Notice that the way to repay Him is to acknowledge Him before others
Notice that thanks flows naturally in testimony about God's rescue, not begrudgingly
Notice the Ethic of gratitude - doing good out of gratitude, not in order to earn favor
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1a
Superscription
A Song of Ascents
1b-2
Question & Answer
1b-c
Question
1b
I lift up my eyes to the mountains
1c
Where does my help come from?
2
Answer
2a
My help comes from Yahweh
2b
The One Who made heaven and earth
3-8
Yahweh will guard (watch over) you
3-4
He won't sleep
3a
He will not give your foot to slip
3b
The One guarding you will not be drowsy
4a
Behold, He will not be drowsy
4b
and The One guarding Israel will not sleep
5-6
He shades you
5a
Yahweh is the One guarding you
5b
Yahweh is your shadow at your right hand
6a
By day, the sun will not strike you
6b
nor the moon [will strike you] by night
7
He protects you
7a
Yahweh will guard you from all evil/harm
7b
He will guard your life/soul
8
He will guard you
8a
Yahweh will guard when you go out and when you enter
8b
From now and until forever
Comments:
In a contest of gods, our God always wins
lifting up eyes to the mountains is a military metaphor
The Psalmist is waiting for reinforcements, looking for the calvary to arrive
He asks where this help will come from
The Psalmist is waiting for reinforcements, looking for the calvary to arrive
He asks where this help will come from
Our help comes from the top
The One Who created everything is the One who helps us
He has the sovereign power and authority to be infinitely helpful
There is nothing He cannot do and no one who can stand against Him
He has the sovereign power and authority to be infinitely helpful
There is nothing He cannot do and no one who can stand against Him
Our God watches over us, He guards us in every situation, at all times
Our God NEVER fails
Our God NEVER fails
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1a
Superscription
A song of ascents
Of David
Of David
1b-2
I am not self-sufficient
1b-c
I am not proud
1b
My heart is not proud, O Yahweh
1c
And my eyes are not haughty
1d-2
But I am like a child
1d-e
I don't go beyond my position
1d
I will not deal with/concern myself with great things
lit.
I will not walk in
fig. of humilityBDB
1e
Or in things too wonderful for me
2
But I am dependent
2a
Certainly, I have stilled and quieted my soul
The term translated
Certainlyis an oath formula
2b
Like a weaned child with its mother
On
weaned childsee the comments below
2c
Like a weaned child is my soul upon me
3
Trust in the Lord
3a
Israel, wait for/hope in Yahweh
3b
From now and until forever
Comments
The Psalmist does not pry into the mysteries of the universe
He refuses to go beyond his station and ability
He recognizes that there are great matters, which are too wonderful for him
He is not trying to be in control of everything, knowing that there are some things beyond his control
He is admitting that he does not have everything in hand
He refuses to overestimate his own importance, and leaves room for God to be God
He recognizes that there are great matters, which are too wonderful for him
He is not trying to be in control of everything, knowing that there are some things beyond his control
He is admitting that he does not have everything in hand
He refuses to overestimate his own importance, and leaves room for God to be God
But he sees himself as a gamul
gamul is the Hebrew word for a child who has just been weaned from mother's milk to solid food
In the OT culture, this was a child around 2-3 years old - a toddler
Toddlers of this age are often clingy to their parents, rarely venturing away from them
Toddlers of this age are also dependent on their parents, and go to their parents for everything
Toddlers of this age do not worry about their next meal, because their parents provide
Toddlers of this age do not worry about international politics because their parents will protect them, etc.
In the OT culture, this was a child around 2-3 years old - a toddler
Toddlers of this age are often clingy to their parents, rarely venturing away from them
Toddlers of this age are also dependent on their parents, and go to their parents for everything
Toddlers of this age do not worry about their next meal, because their parents provide
Toddlers of this age do not worry about international politics because their parents will protect them, etc.
Therefore, he takes a posture of trust and dependence on God
Like a gamul with its mother, the Psalmist relies on God
He clings to and trusts in God to take care of the things beyond his ability
He clings to and trusts in God to take care of the things beyond his ability
The world is a big and complicated place - there is no way we can figure it out on our own
We desperately need to cling to God
God is able to take care of all the issues in this world that are out of our control
Whenever we are tempted to be anxious about the economy or world politics, etc.,
We should remind ourselves that God has these things under control, even when we cannot understand
We are like a toddler in our understanding of most of the universe
But no concern, because we have a loving Father, who will take care of it
Cast your cares on Him because He cares (1 Pet. 5:7)
Whenever we are tempted to be anxious about the economy or world politics, etc.,
We should remind ourselves that God has these things under control, even when we cannot understand
We are like a toddler in our understanding of most of the universe
But no concern, because we have a loving Father, who will take care of it
Cast your cares on Him because He cares (1 Pet. 5:7)
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1
Call to Praise
1a
Hallelujah [Praise Yahweh!]
1b
Praise God in His Sanctuary
1c
Praise God in His heavenly fortress
lit.
Possibly
Possibly
in the expanse/firmament of His strength/fortress
Possibly
in His mighty firmament
Possibly
in His heavenly fortress
2
Reasons to Praise
2a
Praise Him for His mighty deeds
2b
Praise Him in accordance with the magnitude of His greatness
3-5
How to Praise - Every Instrument
3a
Praise Him with the blast of the horn
3b
Praise Him with the harp and lyre
4a
Praise Him with tambourine and dance
4b
Praise Him with strings and reed pipe
5a
Praise Him with the sound of cymbals
5b
Praise Him with crashing cymbals
6
Call to Praise - Everything with breath
6a
Let every breathing thing Praise Yah!
6b
Hallelujah [Praise Yahweh!]
Comments
Notice that this last Psalm is completely praise - as the doxology that wraps up the entire book of Psalms
Notice the dramatic, extravagant scope of the praise in this Psalm
Notice that it is all encompassing - Every instrument (and appropriate activity) should be used for praise
Notice that it is all encompassing - Everything that has breath should praise God
Notice the twofold reason for praise - His works and His Nature
Praise the Lord! - It is extremely important and appropriate
Notice the dramatic, extravagant scope of the praise in this Psalm
Notice that it is all encompassing - Every instrument (and appropriate activity) should be used for praise
Notice that it is all encompassing - Everything that has breath should praise God
Notice the twofold reason for praise - His works and His Nature
Praise the Lord! - It is extremely important and appropriate